Father's Day

We had a quiet day today. A bit of pottering round and some shopping, then I had to leave after lunch to get back to Croydon before the rush hour. Madelyn wrote a card for Andy and decorated the envelope, and managed to draw on herself a little bit too!

Madelyn wrote the card

Madelyn's first picture!

Sam's 1st birthday

After a bit of a lazy morning we headed over to Paul and Nicola's for a late lunch...or is that early tea? to celebrate Sam's first birthday. He had had some friends round earlier in the day but Nicola had managed to save cake for us!

Oliver and Sam

Toby and Sam

Sam and his chocolate cake!

Nicola and Madelyn

Despite the weather being far from great Nicola got the BBQ out and we had yummy burgers, sausages and chicken.

Fun with Auntie Vic

Vic came over for dinner tonight to keep me company while Mum and Dad are away. Madelyn gave her smiles as soon as she walked in and leaned towards her for a hug before she even took her coat off.

I have no idea what you're saying...but it's hilarious!

Vic spent ages playing with her and found a new tickley spot on her neck. They also did a round of 'Row Your Boat' which seems to be a favourite of Madelyn's...Vic seemed to be enjoying it too!

Then Vic gave her a bath (got soaked) and put her to bed. Vic and I then had some dinner and a good old chat. There's lots going on this year for us all...New house, new job for me... a wedding and a move for Vic...new schools for Phoebe and William in September. There is a quote 'There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings' Very true in our case at the moment!!

NCT cuppa

Today was the first day I had to get sorted by myself! With Andy being in Desborough and Mum and Dad being on holiday it was up to me! I'm pleased to say that I got Madelyn to nursery, had time for a chat and got to work OK.

Madelyn seemed to enjoy her day at nursery. She was giving one of the ladies big smiles as we were chatting when I collected her. She wasn't as tired this evening as she had been so hopefully she's getting used to the hustle and bustle of the other kids.

After Work/nursery we went for a cuppa with the NCT group. We can't make the lunch any more but There was till plenty left when I arrived. It was nice to see the others; I can't believe how much the babies have grown in 3 weeks. Nubia was enjoying playing in Tomas' bouncer and was in a very smiley mood. Tomas and Madelyn had a bit of a chat. We, Patita (Tomas; mum) and I sat them facing each other...they were so cute. There was lots of excited fidgeting, some shouting, some smacks in the face but also some kisses. Bless! 



Nubia

Tomas

When we got home we played with the camera on my Iphone. I had forgotten about the camera on the front and was using it to show Madelyn herself on the screen...she was fascinated!





Lunch in Harborough

This morning I packed up my and Madelyn's things ready to return to Croydon for the week. Driving backwards and forwards is going to be a pain over the next few weeks but getting our amazing house makes it worth it!

We went into Market Harbourough (Harborough now that we're locals!) to meet Paul and Nicola for lunch. We went to the Weatherspoons via WHSmiths and found our usual spot near the back. With 6 adults and 6 children it was good to be able to find a space!!

Most of us had a roast, Madelyn had her favourite butternut squash, and then we treated ourselves to pudding.

Here's Toby looking very happy with a tummy full of pasta, and half of his dad's Yorkshire pudding and little Sam with his apple. I didn't manage to get a photo of Oliver, Paul and Nicola's oldest son, as he had his toe squashed in the door as we were leaving and was rightly too upset to have his photo taken, poor thing.

I left for Croydon at 3ish to beat the traffic and made it back in good time. It was sad leaving my lovely house and And, but it was good to see mum and dad. Madelyn was pleased to see them too and had plenty of hugs before bed!

The Fitzes

Our day started with a bit of a lay in! The kids were tired after their late night so the adults took the opportunity to sleep in too. We all had breakfast in the kitchen and Giles gave Madelyn her breakfast of broccoli and cauliflower. She has taken to 'solids' really well and is enjoying her food. We all decided though that it is impossible to feed a baby with your mouth closed!

The kids have settled into their attic room and spent the morning organising their stuff.

This afternoon we went to Stanwick Lakes, which is very close to my new school in Higham Ferrers. It was only £4 to park and we had a lovely day!

Lunch was a bit chilly! It was cloudy and the wind was really cold. So we ate quite quickly and the kids went off to play.

There was a big adventure playground that was really good for hiding and Neve and Noah had a lovely time despite some tunnels and slide being out of action due to muddy puddles. At least they were smart enough to check a slide landing area before they slid... unlike one little boy they saw who ended up on his bum in the mud!

Further round the site was an adventure trail. There was a rope bridge, tire swings and a zip line. By this time the sun had come out and it was actually quite warm. It was really nice to spend some time outside and not get rained on! Neve and Noah had a lovely time.

Madelyn had a good day too. There was plenty to look at and she seems to enjoy being outside. Andy provided some entertainment especially for her! She got a bit of sun on her face and had a good sleep in her buggy on the way back to the car.

On the way home we decided that it would be warm enough for a BBQ so we stopped of at Tesco. Andy mowed the grass while Vic and I got the BBQ stuff ready, Giles played with Neve while Noah was on the lap-top. We all went into the garden and had a few beers (the kids had smoothies). Neve and Noah brushed up on their football skills while Andy cooked.  

A really enjoyable day. We will definitely go back to Stanwick Lakes; looking forward to taking the Aldriches! It will also be good for the oldies as there was plenty to look at on the site with the lakes, canals and wildlife. 

New to blogger

This is my first go at blogging! After spending a few days with Emma and seeing how easy it was I've decided to give it a go!

We have had an amazingly busy few months and I'll struggle to catch it all up so I'll just start from today!

Emma and her lovely kids came to visit for a few days. It was a pleasure to have them here and was really nice to be able to host for a change! Emma and I had a good old natter and we hardly knew the kids were there! They played together so nicely and were very excited about the 'attic rooms'.

We went to West Lodge Farm which was just round the corner. We watched piglet racing, stroked bunnies and guinea pigs, fed goats and the kids played and built dens. They also got soaked! Emma, Madelyn and I sat inside... Madelyn explored the contents of Emma's bag; some very exciting things!

I have just started giving Madelyn 'solids'. She has been a star! So far she's tried butternut squash and broccoli&cauliflour. She looks a bit of a mess here but most of it went in...

Vic, Giles, Neve and Noah have arrived for a visit this evening. More to follow tomorrow...